Day One
Arrive in San Jose. Transfer from airport to the Don Carlos Hotel for the night. Our guides will join us for dinner in a favorite local restaurant.
Day Two
Drive to Sarapiqui rainforest area and paddle the Rio Puerto Viejo, (Class I-II). This river passes through a section of primary rain forest near the OTS tropical research station and we frequently see beautiful sun bitterns near there. En route to the river we visit a coffee finca, La Paz Waterfall, and a hummingbird gallery with a view of the San Fernando waterfall. Overnight La Quinta de Sarapiqui jungle lodge.
Day Three
Visit to La Selva Biological Station for guided wildlife tour in the morning. Paddle lower Rio Sarapiqui in the afternoon. This is our best opportunity for whitewater excitement! The river is suitable for most paddlers but we sometimes have an upset or two here. The wildlife is also interesting. Explore grounds at La Quinta. Visit museum and butterfly garden. We see many interesting birds and poison dart frogs. Overnight at La Quinta.
Days Four and Five
Drive to Pital and the interesting Rio Tres Amigos (Class II) for an extended paddle on this remote river with excellant wildlife viewing, including Green Iguanas and Howler Monkeys! After a bumpy journey we arrive at the Laguna del Largato Lodge just a few miles from the Nicaraguan border. The remote setting for this lodge is outstanding for viewing tropical birds and other wildlife from the restaraunt deck overlooking a lush tropical valley. We are guaranteed a spectacular array of tropical birdlife including up to three species of Toucans and the possibility of Scarlet and Green Macaws. Our second day here holds several possibilities from among a river boat ride, day river or lagoon paddle, and/or a tropical forest hike. Overnight two nights at Laguna del Lagarto Lodge.
Day Six
This morning finds us again hiking and exploring the forests and trails before departing for Cano Negro in it's unique wetland setting. We will arrive at the Cano Negro Fishing Club in the afternoon where the nearby Wildlife Refuge attracts large numbers of birds and other wildlife. Dinner and overnight at the Cano Negro Fishing Club.
Day Seven
We paddle the placid ponds and Rio Frio of the refuge enjoying the spectacular wildlife viewing before stopping for lunch. A boatride into the refuge is a possibility as well as a walk to the small nearby village. Overnight at the Cano Negro Fishing Club.
Day Eight
Leave Cano Negro for Volcan Tenorio where we will explore the national park located on the side of the mountain. No paddling, today but we will explore the beautiful and interesting Rio Celeste. This river has crystal clear turquoise water and scenic waterfall with a pool where we can swim. We will hike to the source of the turquoise water that is formed by a chemical reaction when two clear streams meet. We can also soak in the nearby hot springs. Afterwards we will drive on to Canas where we spend the night.
Day Nine
We will paddle the Rio Corobici/Tenorio (Class II) with excellent wildlife viewing. This is one of the very best rivers for wildlife and is located in the tropical dry forest. (In January there are few, if any rafts on the river) After lunch at Rincon Corobici overlooking the Corobici, we depart for the beach and Playa Grande.
Day Ten
Paddle the Tamarindo Estuary which has all five types of mangroves native to Costa Rica. Enjoy the beach and snorkeling at Playa Conchal, a beautiful white sand beach. View leatherback turtles nesting at Playa Grande in the evening. Overnight at Playa Grande.
Day Eleven
Return to San Jose for our last evening together where we dine at a local Peruvian restaurant and relive the experiences of our trip. Overnight at Don Carlos Hotel.
Day Twelve
After breakfast, transfer to airport for return flight.
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